Moving from Reno, NV to Westminster, CO
It is 1031 mi between Reno and Westminster — roughly 17h 17m of driving, plus rest stops and overnight, through 4 state(s). A long-haul move crosses climate zones and usually state-income-tax lines. This page assembles the federal and Zillow data into a side-by-side comparison so the differences are easy to scan.
1031 mi · 17h 17m by car · NV → UT → WY → CO
Distance & route
| Route through | NV → UT → WY → CO |
|---|---|
| Primary highways | I 80, I 25, US 287 |
| Major cities en route | Sparks, Salt Lake City, West Valley City, West Jordan, Fort Collins |
Route via OSRM driving profile. Actual time varies with traffic and season.
Cost of living
| Reno | Westminster | U.S. avg | |
|---|---|---|---|
| All items (RPP) | 101.014 | 105.782 | 100.0 |
| Rents | 89.274 | 87.856 | 100.0 |
| Goods | 96.271 | 100.957 | 100.0 |
| Services | 123.478 | 146.919 | 100.0 |
Overall price level is comparable — 101.014 vs 105.782 on the 2024 BEA RPP. Category-level gaps (rents, services) may still be meaningful.
Source: BEA Regional Price Parities (MSA-level · MSA-level); 2024.
Housing prices
Expect around 4.7% lower home prices per Zillow ZHVI (2026-03).
YoY change: Reno -0.4%, Westminster -3.3%. Snapshot: 2026-03. Data provided by Zillow.
Climate
| 1991–2020 normals | Reno | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Annual avg temperature | 55°F | 52°F |
| January avg low | 27°F | 19°F |
| July avg high | 93°F | 91°F |
| Annual snowfall | 29.7" | 44.8" |
| Annual precipitation | 8.1" | 14.5" |
Annual average temperatures in Reno (54.5°F) and Westminster (52.4°F) stay within 5°F of each other (NOAA normals).
Westminster averages 44.8 in of annual snowfall on the NOAA 1991–2020 normals — a full winter setup (heavy coat, snow tires, chains) is worth unpacking first.
Source: NOAA U.S. Climate Normals 1991–2020 (stations: RENO WFO, NV US, NORTHGLENN, CO US).
Demographics
| ACS 5-year 2023 | Reno | Westminster |
|---|---|---|
| Population | 268,959 | 115,546 |
| Median household income | $78,448 | $96,145 |
| Median age | 37.3 | 37.5 |
| Bachelor's degree or higher | 21.4% | 29.8% |
| Avg household size | 2.4 | 2.41 |
Westminster households earn about 4.7% more than Reno at the median — $78,448 → $96,145 on ACS 2023.
Source: U.S. Census Bureau, ACS 5-year 2023.
Jobs & wages
Top occupations in Westminster MSA
| Occupation | Employment | Median wage |
|---|---|---|
| Office and Administrative Support Occupations | 173,910 | $49,000 |
| Sales and Related Occupations | 172,890 | $48,280 |
| Business and Financial Operations Occupations | 164,250 | $84,370 |
| Food Preparation and Serving Related Occupations | 140,150 | $36,010 |
| Transportation and Material Moving Occupations | 129,510 | $45,350 |
Source: BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics.
Moving between Nevada and Colorado
State income-tax top marginal rates are from the Tax Foundation, updated annually. Check Colorado's DMV for the current deadline to transfer driver license and vehicle registration after establishing residency. Consult a tax professional for your specific filing situation — state tax treatment depends on residency, sourcing, and reciprocity agreements.
Best time to move
Moving companies typically charge 20–30% more between Memorial Day and Labor Day (peak season). October through April offers the lowest rates and better mover availability.
To avoid mid-semester school transfers, most U.S. families schedule moves between mid-June and mid-August. Public school calendars typically run late August or early September through late May or early June.
Winter driving along this route
- I-80 east of Reno and US-50 across the Sierra can require chains in winter storms.
- I-80 through Parleys Canyon and I-70 through the San Rafael Swell see winter closures; I-15 north of Salt Lake can slow in storms.
- I-80 across southern Wyoming frequently closes in winter storms November through April — check WYDOT 511 before departure.
- Mountain passes on I-70 west of Denver and on I-25 near Raton can close for snow November through April — check CDOT alerts before departure.
State DOT 511 phone or web services provide real-time road conditions year-round.
Packing & arrival checklist
- Winter gear first: Westminster averages 44.8 in of snow per year on NOAA normals — pack a heavy coat, boots, and consider snow tires or chains before the first storm.
- Air conditioning matters: July highs in Westminster average 91°F on NOAA normals. If the new place has window-unit or no AC, plan that purchase for the first week.
- Dry climate: Westminster sees only 14.5 in of precipitation a year. A humidifier helps keep wood furniture from cracking and is easier on skin and sinuses.
- Arrange utility connection (power, internet, gas, water) two weeks ahead of move-in.
- Update mailing address with USPS change-of-address within the first week post-move.
- Register to vote in Colorado after establishing residency.
Frequently asked
How does household income compare in Reno vs Westminster?
Median household income on the Census ACS 5-year (2023) is $96,145 in Westminster vs $78,448 in Reno — a 22.6% higher figure. Compare this against the cost-of-living gap above when budgeting.
Is Westminster more expensive than Reno?
Based on BEA Regional Price Parities (2024), overall price level in Westminster is 4.7% higher than Reno (105.782 vs 101.014, U.S. average = 100). Rent and services typically carry most of this gap.
What is the climate difference between Reno and Westminster?
On NOAA 1991–2020 normals, annual average temperature is 52.4°F in Westminster vs 54.5°F in Reno (2.1°F colder). Annual snowfall: 44.8 in vs 29.7 in. Annual precipitation: 14.5 in vs 8.1 in.
How far is Westminster, CO from Reno, NV?
The driving distance is 1031 mi and the route typically takes 17h 17m via I 80 and I 25. The trip crosses 4 state(s). Actual time varies with traffic and season.
How does the job market in Westminster compare to Reno?
BLS Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics show median wages of $58,490 in the Westminster MSA vs $47,540 in the Reno MSA, on total employment of 1,590,330 and 254,100 respectively. Top occupations on the destination side appear in the Jobs & wages section above.
When is the best time to move from Reno to Westminster?
Moving companies usually charge 20–30% less between October and April (off-peak). Memorial Day through Labor Day is peak pricing. For a 1031 mi drive, weather on the route matters too — see the timing section above for state-specific winter warnings.
How much do homes cost in Westminster compared to Reno?
Zillow ZHVI (2026-03) puts the typical home value at $527,654 in Westminster vs $567,857 in Reno — a 7.1% lower figure. Data provided by Zillow Research.
Plan the move
Estimate costs with our moving cost calculator, or see where else to move from Reno.
City profiles: Reno, NV · Westminster, CO.